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39th Annual Capital Region Students and Teachers Who Make a Difference Recipients

  • Academy of Holy Names
    Morgan Brewer Morgan is a senior at Academy of the Holy Names, and an outstanding scholar, leader, athlete and friend. She is respected by her classmates, younger students, faculty and staff because she exemplifies humility, compassion, dedication and perseverance. As senior class president, Morgan leads by example; carrying out her duties with respect and integrity. She mentors younger students who look up to her while she cheers them on. As a three sport athlete, Morgan’s leadership and grit contributed significantly to the soccer, basketball and track team’s success. Her teammates respect her as an honorable role model. As an active member of Youth Ministry and Youth Service Leaders Morgan has shared her faith with our community. Morgan’s senior service project supported the Child Advocacy Center. In August she will attend the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD where she plans to pursue engineering. ____________________________________________________________________________ ​ Deborah Baxter I chose Mrs. Baxter as my biggest inspiration because when I first transferred to Holy Names, I was looking to be more academically challenged and Mrs. Baxter's Freshman Biology class did just that. She taught me early in high school the importance of good study habits, time management, and learning and understanding material rather than memorizing it. In 11th grade when I took her AP Biology class I was challenged more than ever before, but Mrs. Baxter encouraged me throughout the entire process. She believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself, pushing me to not only excel in her class but also excel on the AP exam at the end of the year. Mrs. Baxter did not just teach me biology, she taught me how to be a student and for that I am forever grateful.
  • Corinth CSD
    Madelyn Glogowski Madelyn is an outstanding young lady whose motivation and personal drive are truly inspiring. As the class Valedictorian, Madelyn has proven herself to be a student of exceptional caliber. Her positive attitude and a steadfast determination to succeed have made her a respected leader among her peers. She is an accomplished athlete, a dedicated dance coach for younger students, and an active member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and student in the New Vision Health Care Careers program. Madelyn has a bright future ahead studying Pre-Med Health Sciences at Providence College with the goal of becoming an Orthopedic Surgeon. ____________________________________________________________________________ ​ Sam Honaker I chose to recognize Mrs. Honaker as a teacher who has had a significant impact on my education for many reasons. Mrs. Honaker is one of those teachers that I will never forget. My parents always talk about certain teachers that made an impact in their lives, and Mrs. Honaker has become one of those people for me. Switching schools during the middle of my freshman year was difficult, and one of the first people I met was her. Her teaching style helped me to understand the material, and even when I didn't, she always helped me. She made me feel comfortable asking questions. She made Corinth feel like home. Having Mrs. Honaker as a teacher helped me grow in so many ways and I don't think I will be able to ever thank her enough. But I do want to say thank you for listening to me, helping me, laughing with me, and thank you for pushing me to be a better person, and a better student each and every day.
  • Greenwich CSD
    Julia Sgambelluri Julia Sgambelluri is a very thoughtful person which is shown by her introspection and taking into consideration others’ points of view and feelings. She is also a future thinker and sets goals for herself and wants to positively impact the world. She is a quiet leader and is always there to stand up for the “underdog.” She is one of the most compassionate and caring people I have ever met. She is a true “gem” and has proven herself to be a hard worker who is willing to go above and beyond. She is truly going to be a difference maker in the world. She plans on attending Endicott College in the fall. ____________________________________________________________________________ ​ Dawn Slater Mrs. Slater is a Social Studies teacher at Greenwich Central school. She is an upbeat person to have around school. She is someone who I feel always has my back. I appreciate her passion for what she does and how she cares so much for her students. From first having her in eighth grade to now, she has always been a positive light for me in school even when I wasn't in her classes. After I graduate and think back to my time at GCS, I will not only remember her as my teacher but I will truly remember the abundance of support and kindness that she has shown me. My goal is to make others feel the same way Mrs. Slater has made me feel.
  • Greenville CSD
    Anthony Zhang The Greenville Central School Faculty and Administration are proud to announce Anthony Zhang as the Valedictorian for the Class of 2025 and a National Merit Scholarship Winner. Anthony, the son of Yun Zhang and Nancy Xiuzhong-Zhao of Greenville, has demonstrated outstanding academic excellence throughout his high school career. On June 27, 2025, Anthony will receive his New York State Advanced Regents Diploma with Honors and Mastery in both Math and Science, boasting an impressive weighted average of 101.74. His commitment to academic rigor is evident through his participation in multiple Honors, Advanced Placement and Early Admit college courses. He is also a candidate for a Full International Baccalaureate Diploma. Beyond academics, Anthony is actively involved in various extracurricular activities. He is a proud member of the National Honor Society, as well as the Robotics and Science Clubs. As a scholar-athlete, he has shown dedication in Varsity Volleyball, Cross Country, and Track. In addition to his academic and athletic pursuits, Anthony is a talented musician. He has been a member of the concert band and jazz ensemble since middle school and is an exceptional trombone player. Throughout high school, he has been selected to perform with the Empire Youth Orchestra and has participated in NYSSMA’s Area All-State. Last year, he was honored at the All State Conference for music, and this year, he received the award for Best Student Trombone in New York from NYSSMA and was invited to the NAfME All-Eastern Division Conference for being one of the best trombonists in the U.S. Northeastern region. Looking ahead, Anthony will continue his post-secondary studies at Columbia University, where he plans to major in Mechanical Engineering. His achievements serve as an inspiration to his peers and the entire Greenville community. ____________________________________________________________________________ ​ Monica Lunde Mrs. Lunde is our AP Calculus teacher at Greenville. She is an inspiration because of her endearing and warm personality that she brings to her class every day. Although I've transferred into AP Calculus in 11th grade, 3 weeks late without any knowledge in pre-calculus, she provided constant support and swiftly caught me up with the fundamentals of Calculus. She truly cares about her students and played a major role in shaping my academic journey. She taught me the value of perseverance and being open to different opportunities. Her enthusiasm for her students is admirable, and I am forever appreciative of that.
  • Northville CSD
    Isabella Armstrong Isabella Armstrong is one of the most dedicated, reliable, and curious students I have ever had. Her commitment to her own success is astounding, and I already know that she will make an excellent educator. Izzy’s passion for learning is second to none, and to watch her transition from student to teacher has been absolutely inspiring. ____________________________________________________________________________ ​ Tim Penisten Mr. Penisten has been a superb teacher and mentor for me. He is the reason I will be pursuing an English teaching and education degree.
  • Saratoga Springs CSD
    Norah Hoke Norah Hoke is the lead programmer on a robotics team that has competed at the world championship twice. She shares her enthusiasm for STEM through Science in the Community Club events, robotics demos at the County Fair, and as a STEM camp instructor. This spring, she presented her soft robotics research at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair. She will attend Worcester Polytechnic Institute for engineering in the fall. ____________________________________________________________________________ ​ Karen Cavotta Ms. Cavotta inspired my love for 3D modeling and always encourages me to push myself, even years after I was in her class.
  • Saratoga Springs CSD
    Thomas Bundy Thomas is from Saratoga Springs High School. He graduates this spring after captaining the Varsity golf team, who were League and Suburban Council Champions. Thomas enjoys playing the cello and serving the music community as president of the Tri-M Music National Honor Society, president of the Chamber Ensemble, and vice president of the Fiddle Club. In his summers, he volunteers at the Double H Ranch and Special Olympics. Thomas is attending Swarthmore College next year. ____________________________________________________________________________ ​ Jessica LaBello Mrs. LaBello has been my orchestra teacher throughout high school. Her unmatched energy and positivity have always made class the best part of the day!
  • Schuylerville CSD
    Holly Price Holly Price is a dedicated and serious student, known for her exceptional moral character, sincerity, and unwavering commitment to both her school and local community. Her diligence and positive attitude in the face of academic challenges have earned her numerous awards for outstanding effort, achievement, and excellence. Most notably, Holly has been named the Valedictorian of the Class of 2025. Holly is a musically gifted and dedicated performer who plays an integral role in both our Jazz Band and Symphonic Band. Her talent and commitment consistently elevate the ensemble's overall performance. As a young woman of remarkable intelligence and character, Holly brings warmth and excellence to every environment she enters. Her leadership and collaborative spirit are evident in her roles as Vice President of the French Club, Band Librarian, and Varsity Club Representative for Tennis. Beyond school, Holly generously gives her time to the community, volunteering countless hours at the Schuylerville Public Library. Regardless of the activity Holly is involved in, she is a positive influence and leaves her mark because of her effort, her poise, her personality, and her vision for a brighter future. This fall, Holly will continue her academic journey by studying Neuroscience at Colgate University—a fitting path for someone so driven, compassionate, and intellectually curious. ____________________________________________________________________________ ​ Michael Craner I would like to nominate Mr. Craner. I've known Mr. Craner since 7th grade, when I started taking saxophone lessons with him. He has a great way of teaching and is always super patient and encouraging with his students. He works hard to push his students musically so they improve. I wouldn't be at the level I am at without his guidance and incredible musical knowledge. He also has a great sense of humor and makes every rehearsal very fun and productive. I am so grateful to have had him as my high school Symphonic Band and Jazz Ensemble director. I will miss him and his classes greatly after I graduate!
  • Stillwater CSD
    Alisa Romanovsky I am a dedicated and ambitious student that is eager to continue my education at the University of Albany. I am planning to major in biochemistry on a pre-pharmacy track. Throughout high school, I have consistently put in an extensive amount of effort and hard work to achieve my goals. With perseverance, I have maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout both my middle and high school years. Furthermore, I am very active in my community, and have participated in many extracurricular and volunteer activities, many of which I have had a leadership role in. Some examples include being secretary of National Honor Society, president of Key Club, being a part of Recreational Tennis Club, being a part of Yearbook club, and being the secretary of Student Government club. I look forward to participating in similar activities, clubs, and organizations in college, and strongly believe that I possess the skills necessary to succeed in them. ____________________________________________________________________________ ​ Ann Marie Adamick Mrs. Adamick was my Elementary and Middle school English as an Additional Language (EAL) teacher, who continuously encouraged and supported me. Her lessons were engaging and carried on with me into my high school years. I am extremely grateful to have met and been taught by such a passionate and kind person.

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